Device to isolate a lock of hair

ABSTRACT

A device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product is to be applied. The device includes first and second sheets each including a first end and a second opposite end. A means of attachment is integral with the first and/or the second sheet, to attach the two sheets together in a reversible manner in proximity to their first ends over the lock of hair that is isolated. The two sheets are configured so as to have their second ends free when they are attached together in proximity to their first end. A process for applying a hair treatment product (such as a coloring and/or decoloring product) is also provided which uses such a device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This document claims priority to French Application Number 03 08542,filed Jul. 11, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/493,765,filed Aug. 11, 2003, the entire contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns a device designed to isolate a lock ofhair for the purpose of applying a hair product thereto. By way ofexample, the invention can be particularly advantageous for applying acoloring/decoloring product.

2. Discussion of Background

A variety of techniques are currently used to apply a hair product toindividual locks of hair.

According to a first method, a perforated bonnet is placed on thecustomer's head. Using a tool with one end configured in the form of ahook, the locks of hair lying directly below the perforations areextracted from the bonnet. The product is then applied uniformly ontothese locks of hair by means of a brush. After an appropriate treatmenttime, the bonnet is removed. The action of the coloring product is thenneutralized by means of a shampoo. A method of this kind is describedfor example in U.S. Pat. No . 4,961,439.

This method has numerous drawbacks. The method is painful for thecustomer when the locks of hair are extracted from the bonnet and whenthe bonnet is removed. In addition, this method is time-consuming andawkward to carry out. Moreover, there is a significant risk that theproduct will penetrate through the holes in the bonnet and stain thescalp.

In another method, the lock of hair is placed on a pallet. The productis then applied to the lock of hair by means of a brush. The locks ofhair are left exposed to the air and separated from the rest of the hairby cotton pads placed at the roots of the hair. After the requisitetreatment time, the hair is washed in a conventional manner. Again, thismethod is time-consuming and awkward. Moreover, the locks of hairtreated are unavoidably placed in contact with the rest of the hair,which to a large degree can spoil the appearance of the finished result.

Methods to avoid contact between the locks of treated hair and the restof the hair have been described, in particular in GB2371744, WO9738602and U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,268. In these documents, a sheet of flexibleplastic arranged under the lock of hair to be treated is used in orderto isolate it from the rest of the hair. The product is then applied tothe lock of hair. In WO9738602, the sheet is held on the hair by meansof a Velcro type fastening strip. After applying the product, the lowerpart of the sheet is folded back to cover the lock of treated hair withthe folded sheet adhering to the hair by virtue of the presence ofproduct. In GB2371744, the sheet arranged under the lock of hair isbonded at its lower end to a second sheet which is folded back to coverthe lock of hair treated. A Velcro type fastening strip is provided oneach sheet to attach the two sheets together in the folded position. InU.S. Pat. No. 5,816,268, the sheet placed under the lock of hair issimply held in contact with a second sheet as each of the sheetsincludes a folded first end into which a second end of the other sheetis inserted, with the two sheets not being attached together. Aftercoating the lock of hair with product, the second sheet is moved apartfrom the first and placed on the lock of hair coated with product. Inthis position, the second sheet still cannot be attached to the firstsheet as no means of attachment is provided.

In these documents, the product is applied starting from the upper partof the isolated lock of hair. Using this method, however, it isdifficult to apply the product with a clear demarcation at the upperpart of the lock of hair, particularly if it is desired to startapplying the product some distance away from the scalp.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One of the objects of the invention is to create a device to isolate alock of hair before applying a product which avoids some or all of thedrawbacks of the prior art.

Another object of the invention is to create a device which enables aproduct to be applied with a clear demarcation at the upper part of thelock of hair.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which enablesproducts to be applied to the hair without risk of the product migratingfrom one lock of hair to another. In accordance with a particularlypreferred form, products of different colors or different tones can beapplied to the same head of hair while preventing migration intoundesired locations.

It is also an object of the invention to create a device to isolate alock of hair which additionally makes it possible to squeeze out theproduct applied to the lock of hair before rinsing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for isolating alock of hair which can be used several times.

The invention provides a device to isolate at least one lock of hair towhich a product is to be applied which includes a first and a secondsheet each including a first end and a second opposite end. The devicefurther includes an attachment device, integral with the first and/orthe second sheet, to attach the two sheets together in a reversiblemanner in proximity to their first end, over the lock of hair to beisolated. In addition, the two sheets are configured so as to have theirsecond end free when they are attached together in proximity to theirfirst end.

According to the invention, the expression “attached in proximity to thefirst end” means that the sheets are attached together closer to thefirst end than to the second. Preferably the sheets are attached asclose as possible to the first end, preferably along this end.

A device of this kind can be attached to the lock of hair to be isolatedbefore applying the product, and the product can be applied byseparating one of the sheets by the second end which is free. The meansof attachment thus make it possible to delineate, in the upper part ofthe hair, the area in which the product is to be applied so that theproduct can be applied according to a clear demarcation at the upperpart of the lock of hair. The lock of hair isolated in this way canstart in proximity to the scalp, but this lock of hair can also bestarted at various distances from the scalp, by attaching the device ata location spaced from the scalp. Thus, on the same head of hair,colored locks of hair can be produced at different distances from thescalp in order to achieve particular effects on the hair.

With this device, a single piece of hair can be isolated, for example inthe form of a fringe, or as several smaller locks of hair.

The two sheets can have the same shape, for example rectangular ortrapezoidal, so that they can be superimposed. It is thus possible tocompletely isolate the lock of hair from the rest of the hair.

The sheets can be impermeable to the product so as to prevent theproduct from transferring to the rest of the hair.

At least one of the sheets can be made of a transparent or translucentmaterial. This enables the user to observe the lock of hair treatedduring the product treatment time.

The sheets can be made of plastic material, such as a polyolefin, forexample polyethylene or polypropylene. A device of this kind can then bereadily cleaned with water, for example.

The attachment means may include a first part provided on the firstsheet and a second part provided on the second sheet, with the two partsbeing capable of cooperating between them to allow reversibleattachment. As the attachment is reversible, the device can be usedseveral times.

The first part may include a strip equipped with loop elements and thesecond part includes a strip equipped with hook elements.

Alternatively, the attachment means can be composed of a clamp formed bytwo arms connected together by a hinge, with each arm being integralwith one sheet. Here again, given that the attachment is reversible, thedevice can be used several times.

The attachment means can be configured so as to attach the two sheetstogether along a rectilinear edge. The product can then be applied sothat the application is started at an upper portion of the lock of hair,along a rectilinear edge. Alternatively, means of attachment may bechosen which enable the two sheets to be attached together along an edgeof any other shape, for example a concave line, a convex line, a wave,etc. It is thus possible to obtain particular effects in the hair, whichcan be reproduced over the entire head of hair.

The attachment means can be configured so as to prevent the productapplied to the isolated lock of hair from being transferred to the partof the hair adjacent to the attachment means. The product which has beenapplied according to a clear demarcation is not liable to migrate, afterit has been applied, to the part of the hair located above theattachment means.

The invention also relates to a process for the application of a hairproduct to at least one lock of hair. A preferred form of the processincludes the following steps in the order listed:

-   -   a) lift at least one lock from the hair;    -   b) arrange a first sheet under the lock of hair;    -   c) arrange a second sheet over the lock of hair, against the        first;    -   d) attach the two sheets together using the attachment means in        proximity to one end, clamping the lock of hair;    -   e) lift the second sheet away from the lock of hair so as to        render it accessible; and    -   f) apply the product to at least part of the isolated lock of        hair.

The attachment means to clamp the hair can include, for example, a clampdevice or a hook and loop fastener arrangement as described above. Aftertaking up a lock of hair, it can be isolated between the two sheets inits entirety or a number of smaller locks can be selected from thisfirst lock of hair, retaining only one in two of the smaller locks forexample.

After attaching the two sheets together by clamping the lock of hair,the combination of two sheets can be slid along the isolated lock ofhair to position them at the desired distance from the scalp.

The product can be applied to the lock of hair from the upper end of theisolated lock of hair.

After applying the product, the two sheets can be taken off the hair bysliding them along the lock of hair, from the upper end of the lock ofhair to the tip. The lock of hair can then be squeezed out to scrape offthe excess product to prevent the product from touching the rest of thehair before rinsing. By removing the excess product, subsequent rinsingof the hair is also facilitated.

The product is, for example, a coloring and/or decoloring product.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will become further apparent from the following detaileddescription, particularly when considered in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of a deviceto isolate a lock of hair according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the deviceaccording to the invention;

FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate different steps in a process for application ofa hair product using the device according to the invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a device to isolate a lock ofhair according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Examples of a device to isolate a lock of hair from a head of hair willnow be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The device includes afirst sheet 10 and a second sheet 20, which are separate from eachother.

By way of example, each of the sheets is preferably made of plastic,more preferably the sheets are made of polyolefin. Furthermore, the twosheets are preferably transparent so as to enable the user to see theisolated lock of hair when the device is arranged on the hair. Inaddition, the sheets 10 and 20 are flexible so as to adapt to the shapeof the hair on which they are arranged and so as not to unduly botherthe person on which they are placed.

In the illustrated example, the two sheets are rectangular in shape,however other shapes could be used. By way of example, the sheets canhave a length of between 10 and 30 cm, for example 10 cm, and a width ofbetween 5 and 15 cm, for example 5 cm. They are also preferably oflimited thickness, for example on the order of 30 μm, which gives themtheir flexibility.

The first sheet 10 includes a first end 11 corresponding to one of itswidths and a second end 12, opposite the first, which corresponds to theother of its widths. The second sheet 20 also includes a first end 21corresponding to one of its widths and a second end 22, opposite thefirst, which corresponds to the other of its widths.

The two sheets 10 and 20 are independent of each other but are intendedto be attached together over the lock of hair to be isolated by means ofattachment 30 and 31.

For this purpose, the first sheet 10 includes, at its first end 11, aflexible strip 30 equipped with loop elements. The strip 30 ispreferably arranged over the full width of the sheet 10 to which it isglued or welded for example. The second sheet 20 also includes, at itsfirst end 21, a flexible strip 31 equipped in this instance with hookelements. Here again, the strip 31 is preferably arranged over the fullwidth of the sheet 20 to which it is glued for example.

The term “hook” is not to be construed in a limitative sense andencompasses double-hook ends or spade ends. Similarly, the term “loop”is not to be interpreted in a restrictive manner, and encompasses openor closed loops. Thus, the strips 30 and 31 incorporate counterpartmeans of attachment which are spread over their surface and which arecapable of forming a mechanical attachment when joined. The hooks andloops are capable of cooperating with each other, with at least some ofthe hooks engaging in the loops. The loop and hook elements aremarketed, for example, in the form of strips under the trademark VELCRO®and are widely used as means of attachment, with the hooks being madefor example by molding of plastic and the loops being formed by a wovenor non-woven fabric.

The device just described can be used for example to apply a coloringproduct to an isolated lock of hair.

For this purpose, the user first selects the lock of hair to which theproduct is to be applied and arranges the first sheet 10 under this lockof hair. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, this sheet is placed in amanner such that the attachment strip 30 is located at the upper end ofthe lock of hair, and in the example shown, close to the scalp. Also,the strip 30 is arranged on the side facing the lock of hair to beisolated.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the user then places the second sheet 20 onthe isolated lock of hair over the first sheet, placing the second strip31 over the first strip, on the side facing the lock of hair to beisolated.

The user can then exert light pressure on the sheets 10 and 20, at thelevel of strips 30 and 31, so that the hooks on the second strip 20engage with the loops on the first strip 10, passing through the lock ofhair and thereby attaching the two strips together and to the lock ofhair.

If necessary, the user may slide the two-sheet assembly thus attached tothe isolated lock of hair, in particular so as to position them at thedesired distance from the scalp.

The second ends 12 and 22 of the sheets are free with respect to eachother, the user simply has to separate the second sheet from the lock ofhair by lifting it by its second end 22 in order to apply the product tothe lock of hair. The user then applies the product, for example bymeans of a brush, starting from the upper end of the lock of hair (orthe upper end between the sheets), and spreading the product towards thetips of the hair.

Given that the edge delineated by the attachment strips 30 and 31 isrectilinear and the attachment means 30 and 31 clamp the lock of hairsufficiently to prevent the product from migrating beyond the attachmentstrips, the starting point of the lock of hair is colored with a cleardemarcation line.

In addition, as the sheets 10 and 20 are impermeable to the product, theremainder of the hair is perfectly isolated.

The whole of the sheet 20 arranged above the lock of hair can then bereplaced on the treated lock of hair for the holding period during whichthe coloring product acts on the lock of hair.

After the holding period, the user can remove the two sheets by pullingon their second end 12 and 22 in the direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 5. By moving the sheets 10 and 20 down to the tip of hair, the lockof hair is then squeezed out as the strips 30 and 31 scrape off theexcess product. The product is thus prevented from touching the rest ofthe hair and subsequent rinsing is also facilitated.

When they have been completely removed from the hair, the two sheets 10and 20 can then be cleaned, for example with water, enabling them to beused a second time.

In the example illustrated, the sheets are attached in proximity to thescalp, but they can of course be attached a variable distance from thescalp in order to obtain particular effects.

In a variant not illustrated, the sheets can be trapezoidal in shape,with the first ends 11 and 21 of the sheets incorporating the attachmentmeans being neither parallel to the second ends 12 and 22 norperpendicular to the other edges of the sheets. By arranging the sheetsin a manner such that the second ends 12 and 22 are aligned with thetips of the lock of hair, the attachment strips 30 and 31 are thenarranged obliquely on the lock of hair. Colored locks of hair having anoblique upper demarcation can thus be readily obtained.

FIG. 6 illustrates a second embodiment of a device to isolate a lock ofhair using the same reference numbers as the first embodimentincremented by 100.

This second embodiment differs from the first by the means used toattach the two sheets together.

In this embodiment, the first sheet 110 includes at its first end 111 arigid strip 130 forming the first arm of a clamp, and the second sheet120 includes at its first end 121 a rigid strip 131 forming the secondarm of the clamp. The two arms 130 and 131 are connected at one of theirends by a hinge 132. The hinge 132 is a film hinge for example. It isconfigured so that the two arms bear on each other (e.g., they are urgedor biased toward each other) so as to perform their clamping function.With this arrangement, when the clamp or attachment device is in anattached state the sheets are attached proximate their first ends, whilein an unattached state the sheets are coupled (via the clamp proximateto the hinge) at only a corner of each of the sheets.

Each sheet 110 and 120 is for example glued at its first end 111 and 121to the inside of each of the rigid arms 131 and 132.

To use this device, the user moves the two arms 131 and 132 apart andinserts the lock of hair to be isolated between the two sheets. Theclamp is then released thereby attaching to the lock of hair. Theproduct can then be applied as previously described.

In the foregoing detailed description reference is made to preferredembodiments of the invention. Obviously, numerous modifications andvariations of the present invention are possible in light of the aboveteachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope ofthe appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than asspecifically described herein.

1. A device to isolate at least one lock of hair to which a product isto be applied, the device including: a first sheet and a second sheeteach including a first end and a second end opposite the first end; andmeans of attachment integral with at least one of the first sheet andthe second sheet, to attach the first and second sheets together in areversible manner in proximity to their first end, over a lock of hairto be isolated, wherein the first and second sheets are configured so asto have their second end free when they are attached together inproximity to their first end.
 2. A device according to claim 1, whereinthe first and second sheets have the same shape so that they can besuperimposed.
 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein the first andsecond sheets are rectangular.
 4. A device according to claim 3, whereinthe first and second sheets are trapezoidal.
 5. A device according toclaim 2, wherein the first and second sheets are impermeable to theproduct.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first and secondsheets are impermeable to the product.
 7. A device according to claim 5,wherein at least one of the first and second sheets are made of atransparent or translucent material.
 8. A device according to claim 7,wherein the first and second sheets are made of plastic.
 9. A deviceaccording to claim 8, wherein the first and second sheets are made of apolyolefin.
 10. A device according to claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe first and second sheets are made of a transparent or translucentmaterial.
 11. A device according to claim 1, wherein the first andsecond sheets are made of plastic.
 12. A device according to claim 11,wherein the first and second sheets are made of a polyolefin.
 13. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachment include afirst part provided on the first sheet and a second part provided on thesecond sheet, the two parts being capable of cooperating between them toallow reversible attachment.
 14. A device according to claim 13, whereinthe first part includes a strip equipped with loop elements and thesecond part includes a strip equipped with hook elements.
 15. A deviceaccording to claim 14, wherein the means of attachment are configured ina manner so as to attach the two sheets together along a rectilinearedge.
 16. A device according to claim 1, wherein the means of attachmentinclude a clamp formed by two arms connected together by a hinge, andwherein each arm is integral with one of the first and second sheets.17. A device according to claim 16, wherein the means of attachment areconfigured in a manner so as to attach the two sheets together along arectilinear edge.
 18. A device according to claim 1, wherein the meansof attachment are configured in a manner so as to attach the two sheetstogether along a rectilinear edge.
 19. A device according to claim 1,wherein the means of attachment are configured so as to prevent aproduct applied to the isolated lock of hair from being moved to a partof the hair adjacent to the means of attachment.
 20. A device accordingto claim 1, wherein, when the first and second sheets are attachedtogether in proximity to their first ends by said means of attachment,the second ends of the first and second sheets are movable relative toeach other between an open position in which the isolated lock of hairis exposed and a closed position in which the isolated lock of hair isconcealed between the first and second sheets.
 21. A device according toclaim 20, wherein said means of attachment is arranged to secure theisolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a locationbetween the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of thehair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward thesecond ends of the first and second sheets.
 22. A device according toclaim 1, wherein said means of attachment is arranged to secure theisolated lock of hair between the first and second sheets at a locationbetween the scalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of thehair from the scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward thesecond ends of the first and second sheets.
 23. A device according toclaim 1, wherein in an unattached state of the means of attachment thefirst and second sheets are completely separated from each other.
 24. Adevice according to claim 1, wherein in an unattached state of the meansof attachment the first and second sheets are connected at only onecorner of each of the first and second sheets.
 25. A process for theapplication of a hair product to at least one lock of hair, includingthe following steps in the order shown: a) lifting at least one lockfrom the hair; b) arranging a first sheet under the lock of hair; c)arranging a second sheet over the lock of hair, against the first sheet;d) attaching the first and second sheets together using attachment meansin proximity to one end of the first and second sheets and clamping thelock of hair; e) lifting the second sheet away from the lock of hair soas to render it accessible; and f) applying the product to at least partof the isolated lock of hair.
 26. A process according to claim 25,further including, after attaching the two sheets together and clampingthe lock of hair, sliding the combination of the first and second sheetsalong the isolated lock of hair.
 27. A process according to claim 26,further including applying the product to the lock of hair starting froman upper portion of the isolated lock of hair.
 28. A process accordingto claim 27, further including after applying the product, removing thefirst and second sheets from the hair by sliding them along the lock ofhair, from the upper portion of the lock of hair to the tip.
 29. Aprocess according to claim 28, wherein the product is acoloring/decoloring product.
 30. A process according to claim 25,further including applying the product to the lock of hair starting froman upper portion of the isolated lock of hair.
 31. A process accordingto claim 25, further including after applying the product, removing thefirst and second sheets from the hair by sliding them along the lock ofhair, from the upper portion of the lock of hair to the tip.
 32. Aprocess according to claim 25, wherein the product includes a coloringproduct.
 33. A process according to claim 25, wherein the productincludes a decoloring product.
 34. A process according to claim 25,wherein the first and second sheets each include a second end oppositesaid one end, and wherein in attaching the first and second sheetstogether, the isolated lock of hair is clamped at a location between thescalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair fromthe scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends ofthe first and second sheets.
 35. A device to isolate at least one lockof hair to which a product is to be applied, the device including: afirst sheet and a second sheet each including a first end and a secondend opposite the first end; and an attachment device which reversiblyattaches the first and second sheets together in proximity to theirfirst ends over a lock of hair to be isolated, wherein said attachmentdevice is integral with at least one of said first and second sheets,and wherein when the first and second sheets are attached to each otherin proximity to their first ends their second ends are free.
 36. Adevice according to claim 35, wherein said attachment device includes afirst portion integral with said first sheet and a second portionintegral with said second sheet.
 37. A device according to claim 36,wherein said first and second portions are mating portions of a hook andloop fastener.
 38. A device according to claim 36, wherein said firstand second sheets are flexible.
 39. A device according to claim 36,wherein said first and second portions are each an arm of a clampdevice.
 40. A device according to claim 39, wherein said arms arecoupled to each other by a hinge.
 41. A device according to claim 35,wherein, when the first and second sheets are attached together inproximity to their first ends by said attachment device, the second endsof the first and second sheets are movable relative to each otherbetween an open position in which the isolated lock of hair is exposedand a closed position in which the isolated lock of hair is concealedbetween the first and second sheets.
 42. A device according to claim 41,wherein said attachment device is arranged to secure the isolated lockof hair between the first and second sheets at a location between thescalp and free ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair fromthe scalp toward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends ofthe first and second sheets.
 43. A device according to claim 35, whereinsaid attachment device is arranged to secure the isolated lock of hairbetween the first and second sheets at a location between the scalp andfree ends of the hair such that a direction of the hair from the scalptoward free ends of the hair extends toward the second ends of the firstand second sheets.
 44. A device according to claim 35, wherein at leastone of the first and second sheets includes a transparent or translucentmaterial.
 45. A device according to claim 35, wherein the first andsecond sheets are rectangular.
 46. A device according to claim 35,wherein the first and second sheets are trapezoidal.
 47. A deviceaccording to claim 35, wherein said attachment device attaches saidfirst and second sheets such that the attachment device is slidablealong the isolated lock of hair after the first and second sheets areattached to each other.
 48. A device according to claim 35, wherein inan unattached state of said attachment device the first and secondsheets are completely separated from each other.
 49. A device accordingto claim 35, wherein in an unattached state of said attachment devicethe first and second sheets are connected at only one corner of each ofthe first and second sheets.